Girdwood: Bears, Trains, & Icebergs Tour

Explore the captivating wonders of Alaska’s Girdwood region with the Bears, Trains, & Icebergs Tour. Beginning at the historic Girdwood Train Depot, this guided journey takes visitors through the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, where they can witness the majesty of native Alaskan wildlife. The adventure continues as travelers board the Glacier Discovery Train, bound for the breathtaking Spencer Glacier and its serene, glacier-fed lake. Along the way, the tour offers a chance to float through the Placer River Valley, immersing guests in the region’s stunning natural beauty. With roundtrip Alaska Railroad tickets, this well-rounded tour promises an unforgettable Alaskan experience. What else can this captivating journey uncover?

Key Points

• The tour begins at the Girdwood Train Depot, the starting point for the Bears, Trains, & Icebergs experience.
• Visitors embark on the Glacier Discovery Train to travel through the stunning Alaskan wilderness to Spencer Glacier.
• At the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, guests witness efforts to rehabilitate and care for native Alaskan wildlife.
• Guests enjoy a serene float on the glacier-fed Spencer Glacier Lake and Placer River Valley.
• The roundtrip Alaska Railroad tickets offer panoramic views of glaciers, mountains, and wildlife during the journey.

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Girdwood Train Depot

The Girdwood Train Depot serves as the starting point for the Bears, Trains, & Icebergs Tour, providing easy access to the day’s activities. This historic depot is the perfect embarkation point, situated within the charming town of Girdwood.

Guests will meet their guide here and receive an overview of the tour before boarding the Glacier Discovery Train. The depot’s rustic architecture and scenic surroundings set the stage for an unforgettable Alaskan adventure.

From this central location, travelers are whisked away to explore the region’s remarkable wildlife, glaciers, and stunning landscapes. The Girdwood Train Depot is the convenient and picturesque launchpad for this comprehensive trifecta tour of Alaska’s natural wonders.

Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center

After departing the Girdwood Train Depot, the tour makes its way to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, where guests embark on a guided tour to witness the center’s remarkable efforts in rehabilitating and caring for native Alaskan wildlife.

The center’s mission is to provide a safe haven for injured, orphaned, and displaced animals, with the goal of returning them to the wild whenever possible.

Guests have the opportunity to observe a variety of Alaskan species, including bears, moose, caribou, and bald eagles, in their natural habitats.

Educational displays and interactive exhibits provide insights into the unique challenges faced by Alaskan wildlife and the conservation efforts to protect them.

The center collaborates with local and national organizations to promote wildlife preservation and sustainable tourism.

Glacier Discovery Train

From the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, the tour continues aboard the Glacier Discovery Train, which transports visitors on a picturesque journey to the stunning Spencer Glacier.

This historic railway provides a unique opportunity to witness the breathtaking Alaska wilderness up close. As the train winds its way through the rugged landscape, passengers can marvel at the towering mountains, glistening glaciers, and serene lakes that surround them.

The train’s knowledgeable guides share fascinating insights about the region’s geology, wildlife, and cultural history, enhancing the overall experience.

Upon arrival at Spencer Glacier, guests are then treated to a serene float on the glacier-fed lake and Placer River Valley, capping off an unforgettable day of exploration and adventure.

Spencer Glacier Lake

Upon arriving at Spencer Glacier, guests float on the pristine, glacier-fed lake and Placer River Valley, capping off the day’s exploration and adventure.

The float offers a serene and tranquil experience, allowing visitors to take in the stunning scenery of towering peaks, floating icebergs, and diverse wildlife.

The Class I to II rapids provide a mellow, braided river ride suitable for all ages.

The tour provides:

• Rubber boots, rain ponchos, and personal flotation devices to ensure a comfortable and safe experience
• Incredible views of the glacier and surrounding landscape
• A chance to spot wildlife, including bald eagles and other birds
• A peaceful and relaxing end to an action-packed Alaskan adventure.

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Placer River Valley

The Placer River Valley offers a serene and tranquil float, allowing visitors to enjoy the stunning Alaskan scenery. Towering peaks, floating icebergs, and diverse wildlife surround the Class I to II mellow, braided river, creating a peaceful and relaxing end to the day’s adventure.

The float covers 7 miles of the valley, suitable for all ages and skill levels. Equipped with rubber boots, rain ponchos, and personal flotation devices, guests can admire the breathtaking views while gently drifting along the river.

This portion of the tour provides a serene contrast to the earlier wildlife and train experiences, leaving visitors with a well-rounded appreciation for the natural beauty of Alaska.

Roundtrip AK Railroad Tickets

After the serene float on the Placer River Valley, the Glacier Discovery Train whisks guests back to Portage Station, completing the roundtrip journey on the Alaska Railroad. These included roundtrip tickets provide a comfortable and scenic mode of transportation between the tour’s various stops, allowing visitors to fully enjoy the Alaskan landscape without the hassle of driving.

The Glacier Discovery Train offers several amenities that enhance the overall experience:

• Panoramic windows offering unobstructed views of the stunning glaciers, mountains, and wildlife
• Knowledgeable on-board guides providing commentary about the region’s history and natural wonders
• Ample leg room and comfortable seating for a relaxing ride
• Climate-controlled cars ensuring a comfortable journey regardless of the weather

Tour Inclusions and Exclusions

The Girdwood: Bears, Trains, & Icebergs Tour includes a sack lunch, air-conditioned vehicle transportation, roundtrip Alaska Railroad tickets, and entry fees to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center and Spencer Glacier.

However, the tour doesn’t cover alcoholic drinks or gratuities.

Infants can be accommodated with provided car seats, but the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible. Strollers are allowed, and service animals are welcome.

Guests will be provided with rubber boots, rain ponchos, and personal flotation devices for the mellow Placer River float, suitable for all ages.

This comprehensive tour offers an unforgettable Alaskan experience packed with bears, trains, and icebergs.

Additional Tour Information

Although the Girdwood: Bears, Trains, & Icebergs Tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s stroller-friendly and welcomes service animals. Guests can also take advantage of nearby public transportation options to reach the tour’s starting point at the Girdwood Train Depot.

To ensure a comfortable experience, the tour provides essential gear like rubber boots, rain ponchos, and personal flotation devices for the Placer River float, which is suitable for all ages and skill levels.

The tour’s additional features include:

• Infant seats available
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Stroller accessible
• Service animals allowed

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Maximum Group Size for This Tour?

The tour’s maximum group size is not specified in the provided information. The tour details do not mention a group cap, suggesting the group size may vary based on demand and availability. The tour can accommodate various group sizes.

Can I Cancel My Booking and Get a Refund?

Cancellation policies generally allow refunds, though terms vary. Customers should review the tour provider’s cancellation policy before booking to understand any fees or restrictions. Many tours offer flexible options, such as rescheduling, to accommodate changes in plans.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Glacier Lake Float?

The glacier lake float is suitable for all ages, as the Placer River is class I to II, a mellow braided river. The tour provides personal flotation devices to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for participants of any age.

Can I Bring My Own Snacks and Beverages on the Tour?

Participants can bring their own snacks and non-alcoholic beverages on the tour. However, a sack lunch is provided as part of the tour’s inclusions. Bringing additional food and drinks is permitted, though not required.

Will There Be Any Free Time to Explore Girdwood on My Own?

The tour does not provide any free time to explore Girdwood on your own. The itinerary is tightly scheduled, with the tour focusing on the key attractions of bears, trains, and icebergs. Participants will have a full day of guided activities.

Recap

The Girdwood: Bears, Trains, & Icebergs Tour offers an unforgettable Alaskan adventure. Guests will explore the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, ride the Glacier Discovery Train, and float on Spencer Glacier Lake, seeing the region’s natural beauty.

Roundtrip Alaska Railroad tickets complete the experience, leaving visitors with a deeper appreciation for the wonders of Alaska.

You can check availability for your dates here: